Lord, help me navigate the valley of hindrance. Whether they come as a result of the scheming evil one or as a response to my own folly, I look to You for guidance through the minefields. When I strive to build a ministry and the enemy thwarts my efforts by dismantling it brick by brick, let me not lose heart because You are the carpenter. Such fierce conflicts arise when the enemy is threatened by my growing love for You. His infection of doubt hinders my walk of faith. Demons peck at the ripe fruit of maturity. Wild minions of darkness attack like wild boars using their tusks to rip up the vine. But You are stronger and greater than my fiercest foe, Jesus. Even if that foe is myself, I need not fear because Your Spirit guides me. Let me beware of needless boasting for my virtue is constantly being tested. Pride in my strength of belief only invites shadows of doubt that hinder my walk. I could find rest in my own meekness until tempted to speak unadvisedly with my lips. And when prayer distractions abound, my efforts to abide in You are thwarted, leaving my soul unsettled. Yet I will praise You for the opposition You permit, Lord. For by it, You minister growth that would come by no other means. In Your strength and by Your side victory marks the path through the valley of hindrance. Under the sweet comfort of Your Holy Word in Psalm 23:4 and the authority of Christ, I bow in prayer.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4, ESV